Many of our members have noticed a delay in the updating of front page news articles. The staff have previously addressed this in a noticed posted to the forum here, however due to the ongoing delays in updating the front page it is important to address this officially as well.

Our intentions have never been to let updates to Webkinz World, new pet adoptions, or important information slip by our team of volunteers. However, recent issues with the editing software for our Front Page has created a barrier to those updates. Many volunteers have been unable to access the front page editor for over a year, and for others it can be difficult to work with at the best of times. We have yet to find a solution, or resolution, to these software issues and have been unsuccessful in locating the reason why it is affecting specific volunteers and not others.

Because of these technical problems, the volunteers able to access the front page editor and publish stories successfully is limited. This limitation also means that the stories will not be published right away, as our volunteers have commitments to other activities on WI and outside of WI.

This is disappointing for many, and we wanted to extend our apologies and provide a further update to the situation. It is not our intention for these stories to sit idle for so long, but the technical issues are a huge barrier for these updates to happen in a timely matter. The staff who are able to update will do so as soon as possible.

In the mean time, we strongly encourage our members to ultilize the information available in our WIki project and Forums. The WIki project is updated by dedicated volunteers, and features some of the latest and most valuable information about Webkinz World.

Over the past few months, WI members have adopted some new friends to their families. All of these pets were the first noted adoption at the time of their release. Please join us in welcoming the following new additions to our WI Family.

In May, Joi adopted the Cauliflower Sheep. Floret is pictured (left) with her Pet Specific Item (PSI), the Salad Dressing Fountain. The Cauliflower Sheep's Pet Specific Food (PSF) item is Fresh Garden Salad. The Cauliflower sheep is a deluxe eStore exclusive pet, and available at the Ganz eStore for 10,000 estore points (to deluxe members only).

BinkyBohBoh adopted the rare Timeless Wolf as part of the 10 day rare pet event during Webkinz 10 year Annivesary. AlphaWolfMeister is seen here with their PSI, the Timeless Touring Car. The Timeless Wolf's PSF is the Celestial Stroganoff. This pet is no longer available for purchase, as it was a limited time event.

Enscats adopted the African Black Rhino this month. Milo is pictured here with his PSI, the Slippery Water Slide. The African Black Rhino's PSF is the Sunny Smoothie. This pet is new this month, and available through the Ganz eStore or your local Webkinz retailer.

As always, you can find more information about any current, retired, or seasonal Webkinz Pets through our WIki.

Webkinz World may have just celebrated its tenth anniversary, but GANZ has further plans in store for Webkinz World members. A new secret project, titled "Webkinz World X", will be previewed over the coming months and is expected to release this Summer. GANZ has announced that this project will bring "a huge leap forward in the look and feel of the game" while "keeping everything you love" still within Webkinz World. The first preview for Webkinz X was the image included on the left, which is to "play an important part of the new Webkinz X." Stay tuned to Webkinz Newz throughout the coming weeks, as Ganz has promised more sneak peeks and information in the near future.

It is uncertain at this time what kind, and how much of Webkinz World, will be changed. Although this change may be unwelcome by some long term players, especially with so much uncertanty about the changes and direction of this beloved game, it should also bring members some comfort that GANZ appears committed to improving and updating Webkinz World. A welcomed change to the online world of gaming, and what one could consider to be a great sign for a game who has just entered its eleventh year of existence.

Congrats to WI Member ThePinkNinja04 on their adoption of the 10 Year Magic W Pup. Webster is pictured here in his Pet Specific Item (PSI) The Happy Ten Years Bed. This pet comes with an additional two PSI items: The Happy Ten Years Wallpaper, and Happy Ten Years Flooring (also pictured). The Pet Specific Food for the 10 Year Magic W Pup is the Magic Ice Pop.

Is the 10 Year Magic W Pup one you want to add to your collection? If so, you may want to pick it up soon! StLouisCutie184 alerted the WI Community earlier this week, that Ganz has announced (via their Facebook page) this popular pup has sold out of its warehouse. If you are interested in adding this special plush pet to your collection, you are strongly advised to purchase it as soon as possible from your local Webkinz Store.

For our members who are unable to find the 10 Year Magic W Pup in store, or would rather a vitual only option, Ganz has released an online only version of this pet on the Ganz eStore. The virtual only version of this special pet includes the same PSI items and PSFs. The only thing that is not included is the Plush toy! For a collector of virtual pets, or someone unable to find the Plush toy, this is a fantastic option to celebrate Webkinz World's tenth anniversary!

Congrats to WI member LazyGal on the adoption of their Pioneer Pony. Haystack is pictured here with their Pet Specific Item the 'Bountiful Bread Table.' The Pet Specific Item for the Pioneer Pony is Homestead Fries.

The Pioneer Pony is one of Apri's dexluxe advantage exclusive pets, and is available for 9,000 eStore points April 1st and 2nd. After this sale period, it will return to its original price. To purchase the Pioneer Pony, visit the eStore today!

Congrats to our WIki banner contest winners, LambTyler and Polarbear09. Each member will have their banner displayed on the main page for the WIki for three weeks. Included below is the first banner on display, created by LambTyler.

For user created guides, value guides, tips and tricks, and complete lists of Webkinz pets be sure to visit Webkinz Insider's WIKI today. All content is collected and created by our users.

Earlier this week, Webkinz Newz announced via Twitter a new app titled 'MEERKINZ' which will be launched for Android, Windows, and iOS devices in May 2015. This app is the first in a new series of Webkinz Media apps which will allow users "to interact with their pets in new and exciting ways." Thanks to the new technology available through the live-streaming app Meerkat, Webkinz Users will be able to explore new features in Webkinz World without the need of a computer.

According to the press release, Webkinz World is a very active environment, even when users are not logged in and participating: "What users don't realize, is that outside of the time they play in Webkinz World, their pets are very active -- and enjoy visiting their friends around Webkinz World." Once installed, MEERKINZ connects with your Webkinz World account to enable live-streaming video of your pets daily activity. You can check in throughout the day, and see what mischief your pets are causing as well: "We didn't want to tell our users about this secret world of webkinz. Many users have reported over the years disappearing items, redecorated rooms, and pets in new outfits. This was all done by the Webkinz while the user is offline. It is not uncommon for pets to trade items among each other."

For more information, CLICK HERE. Beta testing will begin later this month, with further information to be released later today.

Ready for another contest? Starting February 27th 2015, members are invited to design and enter the Spring WIki banner contest. Three banners will be selected and displayed on the WIki homepage throughout the season, with the first place banner being displayed March 14th, 2015. Are you unsure of what the banner should look like? The banner below is included as an example, and was created for our winter WIKI banner contest!

Please visit our official entry thread for more information. Contest will close on March 13th (2015) at 11:59pm US Kinz Time. For information on how to create a WIki banner and for additional help click HERE.